Chime (Dessa album)
Dessa · 2018
34 min · 11 tracks · alternative hip-hop
Dynamic beats merge with introspective lyrics, creating a soundscape that balances vulnerability and strength.
Top tracks — play these first
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Good Grief — This track uniquely captures the struggle of processing loss through clever wordplay and haunting melodies, making it emblematic of the album's emotional depth.
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5 Out of 6 — With its infectious hook and candid lyrics about self-doubt, this song stands out as a relatable anthem for anyone grappling with their insecurities.
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I Hope I'm Wrong — The poignant exploration of uncertainty and hope encapsulates the album's overarching themes, delivered through Dessa's powerful vocal performance.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
Dessa's blend of introspective lyrics and dynamic production creates a compelling yet cohesive listening experience.
What we noticed
- The album opens with a dynamic beat in 'Ride' that sets an energetic tone, which is maintained through the first half before shifting to more introspective tracks.
- Several tracks feature layered vocal harmonies and intricate arrangements, particularly in 'Good Grief' and 'Half of You', enhancing the emotional weight of the lyrics.
- The sequencing includes a notable dip in tempo around track 6, 'Boy Crazy', which contrasts with the preceding energy and introduces a reflective mood.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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7/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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7/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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6/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- introspective moments of reflection
- short tracks for quick engagement
- playful beats with thoughtful lyrics
- energetic pacing for active listening
Maybe skip if you
- prefer longer, immersive albums
- avoid introspective lyrical content
Where this album fits
- Career context
- By the time 'Chime' was released in 2018, Dessa had already established herself within the alternative hip-hop scene as a member of the Doomtree collective. This album came after her critically acclaimed 'Parts of Speech' (2013), showcasing her evolution as an artist who blends personal narratives with sharp social commentary.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Aesop Rock· Atmosphere· Brother Ali
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
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Good Grief
The bridge shifts to a reflective tone, contemplating memory and loss while drawing connections between past experiences and current emotions.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Ride 3:25
- 2 5 Out of 6 3:32
- 3 Fire Drills 3:17
- 4 Velodrome 3:08
- 5 Good Grief 4:15
- 6 Boy Crazy 3:10
- 7 Jumprope 3:01
- 8 Shrimp 0:45
- 9 Half of You 3:30
- 10 Say When 3:42
- 11 I Hope I'm Wrong 2:24
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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